Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a prominent figure in the world of geospatial data, elucidates that such data is indispensable in bolstering decision-making, improving services, and optimizing government proficiency. The Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) has recently hosted the debut Sharjah Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Forum. This significant event serves as a confluence of government bodies and market-leading technology firms, all of whom specialise in the geographical data field within the emirate. SDD’s commitment to fostering digital innovation and enhancing inter-organizational integration through state-of-the-art GIS technologies were pivotal in the creation of this forum.
The forum took place at Aljada by Arada, located in Sharjah, and had a robust turnout with around 172 attendees. It attracted numerous high-ranking officials from various government departments and institutions within Sharjah. Prominent attendees included Eng. Omar Khalfan bin Huraimel Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities Affairs, and Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City.
Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Director General at Sharjah Digital Department, underscored the paramount importance of the forum in terms of its capacity as an instrumental platform for knowledge sharing and strengthening inter-departmental partnerships. Highlighting the integral role of spatial data, he shared his views on how it underpins decision-making, enhances service quality, and boosts government performance. Al Qasimi voiced his anticipation that this forum would incentivize more collaboration, eventually leading to the creation of an integrated digital milieu that proffers reliable and precise information.
Eng. Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of SDD, in her inaugural address, drew attention to the crucial function of geographic information systems in a diverse array of areas including urban planning, infrastructure upkeep, environmental supervision, and public services. She classified GIS as a cornerstone ought to the realization of sustainable development rooted in defined vision and tactful planning. Elucidating on this, she referred to the Mada Geographic Data Platform, which, after being launched by the SDD during GITEX 2024, has taken giant strides towards consolidating geospatial data sharing endeavors across the UAE.
Mada provides a consolidated, regularly updated database that effortlessly facilitates the swapping of geographic data between governmental bodies. This empowers more effective spatial planning, facilitates smoother governmental processes, and enhances the emirate’s economic growth by uplifting the quality of public services.
Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of the Sharjah City Municipality, reasserted their avid participation in the forum. His participation confirms their resolution to share their know-how and demonstrate their initiatives in the realm of geographic information systems. He expressed that this forum presents the unprecedented opportunity to learn from others’ experiences to boost institutional performance and business efficiency, in alignment with the strategic direction of the emirate.
Expounding on a few modern digital initiatives piloted by GIS technology, Al Tunaiji brought up the ‘Smart Inspection’ system and the digital platform for approving No Objection Certificates for sewage services. Eng. Fatima Juma, Head of the GIS Department at the Department of Town Planning and Survey, highlighted core topics such as geospatial statistics, the amalgamation of geographic artificial intelligence in future planning, and the development of smart cities.
Juma further emphasized the expansive impact that geographic information systems have on pushing the boundaries of urban projects. She stressed the need for strong partnerships to turbocharge the development of this pivotal sector. Trailing along similar lines, Khalid Abdullah Al Zarooni, Head of Information Technology at Sharjah Archaeology Authority, validated that their participation in the forum was a great opportunity to highlight their trailblazing project termed the ‘Archaeological Geographic Information System’. This system is a testament to their commitment to preserving Sharjahâs cultural heritage.
The Sharjah GIS Forum aimed to acquaint participating bodies with the latest technical solutions and worldwide standardized practices in the domain of GIS. The goal is to leverage these sophisticated tools to augment government performance through precise data collection, analysis, and visualization. The forum also aspired to reinvigorate collaboration between government departments by promoting data and knowledge sharing, ultimately leading to swifter procedures, better service provision, and data-driven decision making on solid scientific fundamentals.
The forum also strived to stimulate cross-departmental collaboration in executing mutual projects and strategic plans across Sharjah. It offered a series of specialized sessions, each focusing on distinct aspects of GIS. Themes covered included the prediction of natural disasters, contribution to urban planning, and the development of harmonized geospatial frameworks to improve coordination between federal and local entities.
Other focal points of the discussions were applications of GIS in preserving archaeological sites, optimizing inspection procedures, and granting no-objection certificates (NOCs). The forum also included a presentation focused on GIS implementations presented by the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority. The sessions further explored the relevance of embracing advanced technologies like digital twin modelling and artificial intelligence, especially in crafting smart geospatial solutions for areas like rainwater collection, flood management, and spatial data analysis to refine governmental functionality.
The undercurrent throughout the forum was the highlighted importance of a unified approach towards exchanging geospatial data. This is seen as a key facilitator in enhancing alignment and access to information, contributing consequently to proficient planning, optimized management, time and effort reduction, and forward-thinking decision-making that contributes towards comprehensive development across the Emirate of Sharjah.
The grand finale of the event was a recognition ceremony honouring all participant entities for their invaluable involvement in the domain of digital transformation. This highlighted their efforts in driving smart government operations, ensuring that the contributions of all were rightfully acknowledged and praised.